Mary AND Martha
- The Narrow Path
- Dec 22, 2023
- 2 min read
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home (Luke 10:38, NLT).
I recently had a gathering of some friends at my home. After everyone left for the evening I washed the dirty dishes, and then collapsed in my chair. I was worn out, but my heart was full.
If you’ve ever hosted a party you know it is a lot of work. Buying groceries, dusting in places you typically ignore, sweeping up the mess you made while cooking, and all the things.
Every ounce of effort put into making the evening possible, with the help of my parents, was absolutely worth the opportunity to open my home and my heart to a group of women that I love. Relationships are the heartbeat of my world, and I believe as followers of Jesus that should always be true.
As I relaxed before bed, I spent some time reflecting on the story of Mary and Martha from the Gospel of Luke. Let’s look at Chapter 10, verses 38-42:
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I’m the kind of girl that can relate to Mary AND Martha in this story.
Like Martha, I value the preparation piece of hosting, and understand the frustration that she must have been feeling.
I am also much like Mary. When the guests arrive, if things aren’t perfect, that’s okay. Concern over preparation is replaced with a desire to be fully present in the moment with my people.
Though this Bible story is not exactly the same as my situation, I had the day to prepare for guests while Martha did not, I think it’s an important one to remember this Christmas season.
As we open our hearts and homes to co-workers, friends, and family for Christmas may we remember this story from the Gospel of Luke. May we be like Martha, and prepare our homes in a way that honors our guests, while remembering also to be like Mary, and be fully present in the moment once they arrive.
The present of presence is the most important one of all. Merry Christmas, and Happy Birthday, Jesus!
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